UK-based non-profit 64 Million Artists will be hosting its tenth January Challenge in 2023, an initiative where participants take up a series of creative challenges throughout January to boost mental health and well-being amid post-holiday blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
According to the NHS, around 2 million people in the UK experience SAD, a type of seasonal depression prevalent in the winter months, every year.
As people return to work and return to a comparatively less busy schedule with fewer social opportunities, they may also experience post-holiday blues or lower mental well-being.
Goal-setting, forming new habits, and socialising, especially in the New Year, has been linked to better well-being and happiness. The NHS and the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association recommend these strategies for people suffering from SAD and other forms of depression. Art and creative therapies are also used extensively to treat mental ill-health.
Jo Hunter, CEO of 64 Million Artists, said: “The January Challenge provides 31 days of quick, fun and free creative challenges – one for each day of the month. The January Challenge is a moment of magic where anyone can join in and discover their creativity on their terms.
“The approach allows people to connect with their creativity, participate in activities and connect with others to boost their well-being and beat the winter blues.”
Studies have shown that activities or habits that provide immediate gratification and are varied in nature are more likely to give satisfaction and improve well-being.
Each of the 31 challenges in The January Challenge is simple and offers various activities and ways to get outdoors, express yourself and connect with others. “85% of the participants of the 2022 Challenge felt that the Challenge positively impacted their well-being,” Jo added.
According to a UCL study, forming a new habit takes 18 to 254 days. However, the purpose of The January Challenge, which lasts for 31 days, is not to pressure people into taking part daily.
“The January Challenge gently reminds people that creativity can help us think outside usual thought patterns, seeing life from different perspectives to create something new. Our survey showed that participating in the creative challenges for even a few days can lead to emotional regulation, a sense of achievement and purpose, intellectual stimulation and fun.
“In adult working life, self-expression and creativity are often discouraged. A culture of being a ‘professional’ version of yourself rather than expressing your ideas and opinions is usually the norm. Education and work can contribute to a culture of embarrassment or self-consciousness around self-expression and everyday creativity. This is why 64 Million Artists are now seeing more workplaces adopt The January Challenge to boost morale across teams and connect employees in a fun way,” Jo said.
For more information and to sign up for The January Challenge, visit 64millionartists.com/
